Hierarch Serapion Of Antioch

Saint Serapion of Antioch was born in the 2nd century (exact date unknown) and became head of the Church of Antioch around 191–198, succeeding Bishop Maximinus I. He is remembered as a firm opponent of the Montanist heresy, writing a letter to the clergy Pontius and Caricus warning against Montanist false prophecy. He is also known for his letter concerning the so-called Gospel of Peter, addressed to the Christians of Rhossus in Cilicia. He initially permitted the reading of this apocryphal text out of trust in those who requested it, but upon closer examination found it contained docetic distortions denying the full humanity of Christ, and subsequently forbade its use — an episode now regarded as an important early witness in the history of the New Testament canon. He also ordained Palut as bishop of Edessa to counter Gnostic influence there, and ordained Pantaenus, later founder of the Catechetical School of Alexandria. Only a few fragments of Serapion's writings survive, preserved through quotations in Eusebius of Caesarea and St. Jerome. He died in 211, succeeded by Asclepiades. His feast is kept on October 30/November 12.